End of Life #1: Strong Demand Sends Vertigo Thriller Back to Press
End of Life #1 has officially taken the industry by storm, proving that the hunger for gritty, high-stakes crime fiction under the DC Vertigo banner is stronger than ever. Arriving in comic shops just last week, the sharp-edged debut from writer Kyle Starks and artist Steve Pugh sold out almost instantly. Consequently, DC has rushed the issue back to press for a Second Printing, ensuring that the surging momentum of the series continues as new readers flock to the title.
The creative team behind this catharsis-filled hit includes:
- Writer: Kyle Starks (I Hate This Place, Peacemaker Tries Hard!)
- Artist: Steve Pugh (The Flintstones, Animal Man)
- Colorist: Chris O’Halloran
- Publisher: DC Vertigo
The reception for the debut has been exceptionally loud. Critics have praised the book’s “rapid-fire dialogue” and “chaotic energy.” AiPT described the issue as a “hell of a debut,” while Get Your Comic On noted that the relaunch of the Vertigo imprint is clearly “no one-trick pony.” This level of authority and critical trust has positioned the title as the must-read thriller of the spring season.
The Exploits of Eddie Stallion in End of Life #1
What readers will find in End of Life #1 is the story of Eddie Stallion, a man-child hitman who finds himself dealing with very grown-up consequences. Eddie makes a catastrophic error when he accidentally robs the Raven, a high-ranking official within the Menagerie—a shadowy cabal of professional assassins. With a massive price on his head, Eddie is forced to retreat to the last place anyone would think to look for a world-class killer: Pluto, the small Midwestern town he fled years ago.
However, the “safety” of Pluto is an illusion. As Eddie arrives, he finds his estranged father is dying, his childhood first love is still in town, and his old friends are more than eager to claim the bounty on his head. Furthermore, the town is now run by a cancelled newspaper-strip creator who has transitioned into a local crime lord. As Eddie is pulled back into the life he tried to abandon, the narrative pacing accelerates, leading to a confrontation that only a hitman could survive.
The Vertigo Relaunch Roadmap
The second printing of End of Life #1 is set to arrive in stores on April 15, 2026. For fans who track comic book covers, this new edition will feature original main cover art by Gerald Parel, updated with a distinct new logo coloring to differentiate it from the first print. In addition, DC Vertigo will offer a variant cover featuring an “inks-only” version of Rafa Sandoval’s variant from the initial launch, providing a raw look at the series’ visual authority.
As the first wave of new comics from the Vertigo line rolls out, the publisher has hinted at a massive slate for the remainder of the year. Upcoming launches to watch for include:
- 100 Bullets: The U.S. of Anger (Azzarello & Risso)
- A Walking Shadow (Spurrier & Campbell)
- Fanatic (Ellis & Templer)
- Necretaceous (Taylor & Robertson)
- Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy (Ram V & Perkins)
The synergy between these high-profile creative teams ensures that the Vertigo legacy of bold, creator-driven storytelling remains intact. As anticipation builds for issue #2 on March 18, the demand for End of Life #1 continues to reach a critical mass. It is a mathematical certainty that this second printing will be a cornerstone for readers who missed the first wave of the “Eddie Stallion” saga.
In conclusion, End of Life #1 is the definitive proof that Vertigo is back and means business. By pairing Kyle Starks’ razor-sharp humor with Steve Pugh’s stylish and kinetic artwork, DC has guaranteed a thriller that will linger in the mind long after the final shell casing hits the ground. Whether you are following the mystery of the Menagerie or the domestic drama of Pluto, this is a series you cannot afford to miss. Don’t wait for the third printing—get to your local shop before April 15!
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